Bio-mechanically compatible 3D-printed intervertebral disc

Abstract

The interface device includes a first surface that matches the surface morphology of the corresponding artificial disc and a second surface that matches the surface morphology of the corresponding endplate of the vertebrae. The interface device of the present disclosure can be fabricated using the three-dimensional printing technology.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for fabricating an interface device comprising:
 acquiring three-dimensional image scan data of spine or neck using computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or both;   converting the CT and/or MRI scan to an engineering file;   creating a three-dimensional digital model of a vertebrae's endplate;   obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of a corresponding mating surface of the artificial replacement disc;   combining the three-dimensional digital model of the vertebrae's endplate and three-dimensional digital model of the mating surfaces of the artificial replacement disc;   outputting the combined three-dimensional digital model; and   printing the interface device.   
     
     
         2 . A method for directly printing an interface device on the surface of an artificial disc comprising:
 acquiring 3D image scan data of spine or neck using Computerized Tomography (CT) scan and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan;   converting the CT and/or MRI scan to an engineering file;   creating a 3D digital model of the vertebrae's endplate;   obtaining a 3D digital model of the corresponding matting surfaces of the artificial replacement disc;   combining the 3D digital model of the vertebrae's endplate and the 3D digital model of the matting surfaces of the artificial replacement disc;   outputting the combined 3D digital model;   positioning the artificial replacement disc on a printing tray of a 3D printer; and   printing the interface device on the surface of the artificial replacement disc.